Crystal Lake Elementary

Library Media Program

Media Staff

Milly Blanco, Media Specialist & Bob Wiggins, Media Clerk

  • As the new media specialist at Crystal Lake Elementary, I am proud to lead a revitalized media program that blends the power of literacy with the innovation of technology. Our vision is to make the library a launchpad for student discovery, where traditional learning meets 21st-century skills. Through interactive lessons, digital storytelling, and project-based learning, students will develop the ability to analyze, create, and communicate effectively in multiple formats. This evolving program is designed to help students grow as curious, confident, and compassionate learners. By providing equitable access to information, fostering creativity, and celebrating collaboration, we will continue to nurture a culture where every student can succeed , both academically and personally. Together, we’re building a future where every learner at Crystal Lake Elementary becomes a reader, thinker, and innovator for life.

  • Our mission is to reimagine the library experience by integrating literacy, technology, and creativity into every student’s journey. We are committed to cultivating a learning environment that is inclusive, forward-thinking, and deeply connected to our school’s academic goals. Through the new media program, we strive to: 

  • Create an inviting, accessible environment that supports inquiry, imagination, and collaboration.

  • Provide instructional support and resources that enhance classroom learning and promote digital fluency.

  • Develop diverse and inclusive collections that reflect the interests, cultures, and perspectives of all students. 

  • Guide students through the Research Process Model (FINDS) to build information and critical thinking skills. 

  • Offer innovative reading initiatives such as Read for the Record, Literacy Week, and Read Across America to inspire a lifelong love of reading.

  • Promote digital citizenship, teaching students to navigate online spaces safely and responsibly.

  • Collaborate with teachers to integrate technology and literacy across the curriculum.

  • Engage families and the community through professional development, workshops, and outreach events.

Book Checkout and Laptop Procedures

The Media Center at CLE supports and maintains the databases for many computer programs in use at our school site. Students are welcome to visit the Media Center at any time during the day for book check out and return.

There is also scheduled book check out one time a week for each class. Kindergarten students may check out one book, grades one through five may check out two books. Students are responsible for their library books. If a book(s) is damaged or lost, the student is responsible for paying for the replace of their book(s).  

All students in grades 3-5 have been issued a laptop. If the laptop needs repairs, the classroom teacher will complete a help desk ticket and turn in the laptop to the media center. Our MCSD Educational Technology department repairs and maintains these devices. If there is a fee for damages to laptops, it will appear in individual FOCUS accounts under Billing.

MCSD Media Form to Checkout Books

MCSD Media Form Checkout is a parent permission form used by the Martin County School District to indicate whether a student is allowed to check out books and other materials from the school media center. It supports family choice by allowing parents or guardians to grant or deny media center borrowing privileges while ensuring access aligns with district guidelines and Florida statutes.

CLE Classroom Teacher Book Lists

Classroom Library Book List is a curated collection of links that displays all the books available in a classroom’s library for student use. It helps students and families easily see reading options, promotes transparency, and supports independent reading by showing titles accessible within the classroom.

MCSD Request for Reconsideration

MCSD Request for Reconsideration of Materials (Interactive Form) is an official Martin County School District document that allows parents or county residents to formally request a review of specific classroom, library, or reading‑list materials. The form guides users through providing material details, the basis for the objection, and supporting information, following the district’s established review and appeal process.

Martin Reads

Accelerated Reader (AR) is a reading program that helps students improve comprehension and build independent reading skills by matching them with books at their reading level. After reading, students take short quizzes to demonstrate understanding, while teachers use the data to monitor progress and support reading growth.

Crystal Lake Elementary’s Literacy Motivational Program supports "For the Love of Reading" Initiative by boosting student participation, reinforcing reading skills, and fostering a schoolwide culture of literacy. As of the end of March, students have earned 7,726 Accelerated Reader points, reflecting strong engagement and reading growth. The media program strengthens this effort through instructional workshops, media classes, leveled picture book bins for increased reading access, and a variety of motivational rewards and celebrations. Family involvement is encouraged through parent resources that support monitoring reading progress at home. Together, these strategies build a strong partnership among students, staff, and families centered on a shared love of reading.

Educational Resources

ClassLink is a single sign-on platform that gives students and educators secure, one‑click access to digital learning tools and resources. It streamlines classroom technology by organizing apps in one place and managing passwords, helping maximize learning time and simplify online access.

Encyclopaedia Britannica School is a trusted online encyclopedia designed for students, with content organized by grade levels to support age‑appropriate learning. It provides reliable articles, images, videos, and learning tools to help students research topics and build information literacy skills.

Florida Electronic Library is a free, statewide online library that provides students, educators, and families with access to high‑quality research databases, full‑text articles, eBooks, and learning resources. It supports research, homework help, and lifelong learning across all grade levels and subjects.

Accelerated Reader BookFinder is an online search tool that helps students, teachers, and parents find books that match a student’s reading level and interests. It provides details such as reading level, point value, and quiz availability, making it easier to choose appropriate books for independent reading and Accelerated Reader programs.

Learning Ally is an educational resource that provides audiobook versions of curriculum-based texts and literature to support students with reading difficulties, such as dyslexia or visual impairments. It helps learners access grade-level content, improve comprehension, and build confidence through human-narrated audio and learning tools.

New Worlds Read Florida is a statewide literacy program that provides free books to eligible Florida children to help build home libraries and encourage reading outside of school. The program supports foundational literacy skills by giving students access to high‑quality, age‑appropriate books they can read independently or with family members at home.

Literacy Week Celebration
Literacy Week Celebration
Literacy Week Celebration
Literacy Week Celebration
Literacy Week Celebration
Literacy Week Celebration
Literacy Week Celebration
Literacy Week Celebration
Literacy Week Celebration
Literacy Week Celebration
Literacy Week Celebration
Literacy Week Celebration
Literacy Week Celebration

Sunshine State Readers 2025-2026